DIMBOOLA has moved to within a game of the top five after its 133-point thumping of Stawell at Central Park, Stawell, on Saturday.

With their finals hopes on the line, the Roos never allowed the Warriors into the game.

The hosts were held to one major in the first half – and four in the second – as the Roos claimed a percentage-boosting 25.18 (168) to 5.5 (35) win.

Stawell coach Brad Cassidy said he believed the Roos were still a force to be reckoned with.

“That was probably some of the best footy I’ve seen all year,” he said.

“They were a very good side. They had a lot to play for, they needed a win to keep their finals aspirations alive and they played really well all over the ground.”

Again the Dimboola stars stood tall.

Ash Clugston kicked eight goals to be named the winner’s best, while Lachie Exell kicked seven and both Andrew Seers and Tyler Blake impressed.

Exell, 49 goals for the season, and Clugston, 44, have been standouts for the Roos in front of goal, with Lachie Watts, 15, the next best.

Cassidy said it was a case of lesson learnt for the Warriors.

“It was certainly a good insight for us,” he said.

“We’ve got a way to go, but I’ve got belief in the capabilities of our players and we’ve got to develop those some more.”

Cam Kimber, Jackson Dark and David Morris were among the Warriors’ better performers.

Cassidy said key position player Scott Rathgeber would miss the rest of the season after fracturing his jaw.